The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 84 of its employees in an Atlanta lab have been exposed to live, active Bacillus anthracis, or anthrax.
Anthrax is found naturally in the soil and can affect domestic and wild animals. Through them, it can be transmitted to Humans and be lethal without treatment. Symptoms are not always seen right away, the illness is carried through the skin, the air and the digestive system; it is not to be treated lightly. Yet accidents do happen.
Samples of anthrax were being processed in a lab and were then sent out to three other labs. The first lab, a bioterror facility, was properly equipped for handling infectious agents due to the nature of its research. The other labs were at a lower biosecurity level and therefore did not have the necessary protective equipment. Workers believed the anthrax to be inactive. When found in the disposal, however, the plates were discovered to contain still-live spores.
Investigators from the CDC found that the spores may have spread through the air as well. The labs are currently closed and undergoing decontamination procedures. The 84 exposed employees will receive constant monitoring, vaccines, and antibiotics in case of any health risks. The illness does not always show symptoms right away, but rather can take up to two months to appear.
Consequences will be handled with care. "Given that CDC expert protocols were not followed, disciplinary action(s) will be taken as necessary. In addition, CDC will review the safety protocol again with all employees who work in this area," says the CDC statement released Thursday, June 19.
The unintentional exposure at the CDC bioterror lab echoes concerns raised by the USA Today investigation in 2012 of allegations of airflow problems at CDC labs. The U.S. House of Representatives launched further investigations into the situation to ensure any possible negligence would be discovered and handled.
The CDC addressed the concerns of staff, family members and the public in its statement. It ensured the labs would not be reopened until deemed completely risk-free.
"CDC's guiding principles for laboratory work are to ensure the safety of all staff and the community and be as transparent as possible about our work as we conduct high-quality scientific research to protect people in this country and around the world."
